APA distributes pet food to needy Dona Ana County residents. Staring May 25th, the pet food bank will only be distributing food each Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in order to not have an impact on surrounding businesses. Anyone needing emergency food during the week can go to the Casa de Peregrinos food bank at 999 W. Amador--in the Community of Hope complex. They are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our pet food bank operates from our adoption facility at 800 W. Picacho. Recipients have to show proof of low-income/government assistance, proof of DAC residency, a picture ID, and veterinary records they have for their pets. Services are limited to no more than eight times per year for each recipient. For more information, call 575-644-0505 or e-mail at mail@apalascruces.org.

To date, we have distributed more than 500,000 pounds of food and pet supplies--such as collars, leashes, dog houses, and brushes/combs--to more than 1450 needy families so far. The average pounds per month we distribute is 10,000, and we help approximately 80-100 families per week. We have been operating the pet food bank since 2009; it was our pilot program.

APA also provides food to small rescues and other agencies that serve no- to low-income populations, such as The Community of Hope and the Casa de Peregrinos emergency food bank. We are seeking similar partnerships with other organizations as well. We thank our volunteers, who help us each weekend with our pet food distributions, an we thank Central Bark and A Dailey Grooming for providing grooming services to our clients as well. Pictured above is a recently-groomed dog that came in to visit us.

Pet Food Bank location

800 W. Picacho

The pet food bank also shares resources with people food banks, rescue groups, and APA foster families which are low-income; here's a former foster pup, Marvin, checking out the food and supplies and doing some taste tests, too!

Food bank qualifications

Recipients are asked to fill out a detailed application the first time they receive our services. They are asked to bring proof of their residency in our county by showing an ID or utility bill in their name. They are also asked to bring documentation and/or proof of need, which can be in the form of a pay stub showing income or proof of their receiving other assistance as well as their pets' available veterinary records for proof of ownership/guardianship.

Each applicant is given the opportunity to explain and prove their circumstances. The food bank is intended to help during times of economic distress as opposed to long term.

After a client has been using our program for a long time, we may make a home visit to ensure that the pets we are helping are not living in inhumane conditions. We want to help address issues and teach people how to better care for their pets, if necessary. We also like to visit with and take pictures of the actual cats and dogs we are helping.

P.A.S.S. - Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender via offering support to those trying to re-home their pets and also for those who find dogs and cats they don't want to take to the municipal shelter

Paying it forward

For able-minded and bodied recipients needing our help for more than six months in a row who are already responsible pet guardians, they are asked to donate their time or talents to APA's efforts in the community. Long-term recipients who are not already being responsible are asked to update their pets' vaccinations and spay/neuter in order to keep receiving our support. When our funds allow, we assist food bank clients with vaccinations and spay/neuter SNAP co-pays. Some receipients are also asked to improve pet living conditions, if needed. We review each applicant's status continually to keep their information current and to be sure we are helping those that need assistance the most.

The main goal of the pet food bank is to keep animals with their families, keep them from suffering, and reduce the intake at our overburdended municipal animal shelter. We ask people to think of our shelter as a place of last resort for animals, not a place where animals should be dumped off on a regular basis. If anyone needs help rehoming animals because they have too many, we can assist with this as well by getting the word out to the local animal rescue network and by posting animals on our ﻿Community Animals Needing Homes﻿ page.

APA actively promotes responsible pet guardianship to all of its program recipients. By receiving food or other support from us in their of econimic need, people agree to meet their pets’ basic physical and social needs (fresh food and water daily, adequate shelter, and companionship/attention). We are here to help companion animals only--not any animals people use for monetary or other gain, such as only for utilitarian uses (guard dogs, etc.). We also do not help breeders.

We also counsel people on keeping their vaccinations up-to-date and to spay and neuter all their pets in order to give back to the community who is generously providing the food and funds to purchase food.

We ask that people contact us about their pet care issues or questions. We have information about programs, services, pet behavior and training, and other non-profit groups in the area.